Paddy Pimblett vs Benoit Saint Denis Results: History UFC Fights

Paddy Pimblett vs Benoit Saint Denis results produced one of the biggest moments of UFC 329. While the main event will be remembered for how quickly it ended, the co-main event deserves its own headline.

Paddy Pimblett needed just 52 seconds to submit Benoit Saint Denis, delivering one of the fastest finishes in UFC history and putting himself straight back into lightweight title contention. Here's the full result, exactly how it happened, and what it means for both fighters going forward.

Paddy Pimblett vs Benoit Saint Denis Results: The Main Summary

How the Fight Ended: Paddy Pimblett vs Benoit Saint Denis Results

It was over almost as quickly as it started. Saint Denis came out aggressively, throwing a high kick just nine seconds into the fight before shooting for a takedown. Pimblett met the attempt with a guillotine choke attempt, and as the two fighters scrambled, Saint Denis's head ended up trapped in exactly the wrong position.

Pimblett transitioned the hold into a D'Arce choke, and Saint Denis was in serious trouble within 15 seconds of the takedown attempt. Rather than tap, Saint Denis refused to submit and went unconscious in the hold. Pimblett didn't let go until the fight was waved off, then launched into his trademark victory celebration.

What Is a D'Arce Choke?

A D'Arce choke is a submission hold applied from a front headlock position, where the attacking fighter wraps an arm around the opponent's neck and under their armpit, using the resulting pressure to cut off blood flow to the brain. It's a common counter to a failed takedown attempt, exactly the situation that unfolded here, and can finish a fight extremely quickly if applied cleanly, as it did on Saturday.

Pimblett's Reaction

"Sub of the year," Pimblett said afterward. "I knew he was out. My man was face-down eating canvas."

It was a cathartic response to a difficult few months. This was Pimblett's first fight since losing his first UFC bout in January, a contested five-round decision to Justin Gaethje with the interim lightweight title on the line, a fight Pimblett says one judge scored just 3-2. Gaethje has since beaten Ilia Topuria to become the undisputed lightweight champion.

Pimblett was direct about what comes next: "As soon as I beat BSD, I'm back in title contention... Everyone wants to see me fight Ilia, I'd love to beat him up." He also named Gaethje and Max Holloway, who beat Conor McGregor in the night's main event, as fights he'd take. Pimblett closed his interview with a tribute to the late Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and his brother Andre, marking the anniversary of their deaths the week before.

Saint Denis's Response

Saint Denis, whose four-fight winning streak ended abruptly, released a statement in the days after the loss, taking the defeat with grace and describing it as part of the process: he said he's "learning through the pain" and vowed to come back stronger.

What's Next for the Fighters

Pimblett's win reopens a genuinely stacked lightweight picture. With Gaethje now the undisputed champion after beating Topuria, and Topuria himself also looking to bounce back, Pimblett's callout of Topuria is a realistic next step, though a case could also be made for a Gaethje rematch given how close their first meeting was. For Saint Denis, a step back down the rankings against another contender is the likely path to rebuilding his case for a future title shot.

How to Bet on the Next UFC Event

• Match winner: Check the UFC matches page at Sportsbet.io for upcoming fight odds.
• Method of victory: Given how often lightweight title-picture fights end early, the method-of-victory market is worth considering alongside the standard match winner bet.
• Futures: Once Pimblett's next opponent is confirmed, check the upcoming UFC events page for early markets.

Matchmaking speculation moves quickly in the days after a big result like this one, so treat any names discussed here as developing rather than confirmed — always check the latest news before you bet.

FAQs: Pimblett vs Saint Denis

Who won the Pimblett vs Saint Denis fight?

Paddy Pimblett won by submission (D'Arce choke) at 0:52 of the first round.

How fast was the Pimblett vs Saint Denis fight?

It ended in just 52 seconds, making it the second-fastest D'Arce choke finish in UFC history.

What is a D'Arce choke?

A submission hold applied from a front headlock, where the attacking fighter traps the opponent's head and arm to cut off blood flow to the brain, often used as a counter to a failed takedown attempt.

Why did Paddy Pimblett lose his previous fight?

He lost a close five-round decision to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January, with the interim lightweight title on the line.

Will Paddy Pimblett fight Ilia Topuria next?

Pimblett has publicly called out Topuria, but nothing has been officially confirmed. A Justin Gaethje rematch is also plausible given how close their first fight was.

Where can I bet on the next UFC event?

You can check live odds and betting markets on the UFC matches page and upcoming UFC events page at Sportsbet.io.

Get Ready for the Next Card

Pimblett's win was one of the standout moments of the night at UFC 329, and it's put him right back into the lightweight title conversation. Check the latest odds on the UFC matches page, browse upcoming UFC events, and see the current promotions available at Sportsbet.io.

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